French language and translation studies in Nigerian Universities in the 21st century: Retrospection and prospection

Abstract

In this paper, a cursory look at the French language and Translation studies in Nigerian Universities in the 21st century in a retrospective and prospective manner is done. Translation studies in most Departments of French, Foreign or Modern European languages have in this century figured in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. One is enjoined to look at the journey so far given the constraints and challenges encountered in the course of teaching the discipline over the years. This is very pertinent as Nigeria had produced and is still producing writers in French language that are acclaimed internationally and nationally. New trends in the French language are discovered, researched and heralded by Anglophone researchers and academics especially from West Africa and particularly from Nigeria. The survival of the French language, as said by one of the presidents of France, is dependent on African countries, and Nigeria is one of such countries. The French language has come to stay in Nigeria and as a result, the importance of translation studies cannot be over emphasized. Translation studies, though not yet a department of its own is a course taught at all levels of tertiary institutions. The crucial nature of the proliferation of the discipline across Nigeria in the 21st century emphasizes its importance and demand in meeting the needs of the global world.